Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said an outstanding performance from Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann denied his side a big victory over their visitors in their Premiership clash. "It was a pity to see the goalkeeper was man of the match," Benitez told Sky Sports network after Tuesday's 1-0 victory. "It means we are doing something well. We have created chances and the saves he made today were unbelievable." The German shot-stopper denied a powerful penalty-kick from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the first period in addition to making a string of heroic saves through out the game.
Lehmann Liverpool had to wait for 87 minutes to find the net when Luis Garcia poked home on the rebound after Lehmann parried Gerrard's stinging long-range shot into the Spaniard's path. Lehmann almost palmed Garcia's effort away but his slight touch wasn't enough to keep a clean sheet. Benitez highlighted the determination of his players and said Arsenal almost didn't threat Liverpool during the game. "But we were playing with a high tempo to the end. The team worked hard until the end," he said. "We played well but Arsenal did not create a lot of opportunities."
